Quaker

A Shared Quaker Statement: Facing the
Challenge of Climate Change

[Last update: June
2017] *** Now available in Spanish! (Please scroll to the files at
the end of this statement.) ***

“It would
go a long way to caution and direct people in their use of the world, that they
were better studied and knowing in the Creation of it. For how could [they]
find the confidence to abuse it, while they should see the great Creator stare
them in the face, in all and every part of it?”

William Penn, 1693

As
Quakers, we are called to work for the peaceable Kingdom of God on the whole
Earth, in right sharing with all peoples. We recognize a moral duty to
cherish Creation for future generations.

We call
on our leaders to make the radical decisions needed to create a fair,
sufficient and effective international climate change agreement.

As
Quakers, we understand anthropogenic climate change (climate change due to
human activities) to be a symptom of a greater challenge: how to live
sustainably and justly on this Earth.

We
recognize that the current rise of greenhouse gas emissions is leading to an
unprecedented rate of increase in global average surface temperature of extreme
detriment to the Earth’s ecosystems and species, including human beings.

We
recognize that catastrophic global climate change is not inevitable if we
choose to act urgently.

We
recognize a personal and collective responsibility to ensure that the poorest
and most vulnerable peoples now, and all our future generations, do not suffer
as a consequence of our actions. We see this as a call to conscience.

We
recognize the connections between climate change and global economic
injustice as well as unprecedented levels of consumption, and question
assumptions of unlimited material growth on a planet with limited natural
resources.

We
recognize that most anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are created by
fossil fuel combustion. We recognize that our increasing population
continues to pursue fossil fuel-dependent economic growth. We recognize
that the Earth holds more fossil fuel reserves than are safe to burn, and that
the vast majority of fossil fuel reserves must remain in the ground if we are
to prevent the catastrophic consequences of climate change. We therefore
question profoundly the continued investment in, and subsidizing of, fossil
fuel extraction.

We seek
to nurture a global human society that prioritizes the well-being of people
over profit, and lives in right relationship with our Earth; a peaceful world
with fulfilling employment, clean air and water, renewable energy,
and healthy thriving communities and ecosystems.

As
members of this beautiful human family, we seek meaningful commitments from our
leaders and ourselves, to address climate change for our shared future, the
Earth and all species, and the generations to come. We see this Earth as
a stunning gift that supports life. It is our only home. Let us care for
it together.